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  • How to Comply with the Accessible Canada Act (ACA)

    More than 8 million Canadians aged 15 and older—about 22% of the population—live with a disability. For many Canadians, participating in everyday life isn’t as simple as it should be. Whether it’s trying to book a train ticket online or reading government services on a mobile device, too many still face digital and physical barriers.

    The Accessible Canada Act (ACA) was created to help change that. It’s a law designed to make Canada more accessible for everyone, including online spaces. This guide breaks down what the ACA means, who needs to follow it, and how you can make your website more accessible—without needing to be a tech expert.

    Understanding the Accessible Canada Act (ACA)

    The ACA was introduced in 2018 and became law in 2019. It’s part of Canada’s big-picture goal to be barrier-free by 2040. That means removing obstacles across seven key areas:

    • Jobs and workplaces
    • Physical spaces
    • Digital content and tech (like websites and apps)
    • Communications
    • Buying goods and services
    • Public programs
    • Transportation

    What makes the ACA especially strong is that it was shaped by people with disabilities, organizations, and community leaders. It’s not just a set of rules—it’s a promise to include all Canadians in every part of life.

    Who Needs to Comply with the ACA?

    The ACA applies to federally regulated organizations. This includes:

    • Government departments and agencies
    • Crown corporations (like Canada Post or CBC)
    • Banks and federal financial institutions
    • Telecom companies (like phone and internet providers)
    • Airlines, railways, and ferries
    • Parliament (Senate and House of Commons)

    If you fall into one of these categories, you must follow the ACA. But even if you don’t—say you run a private business or work under a provincial law—following the ACA is still a smart move. It can reduce legal risk, build trust with customers, and improve everyone’s experience with your website.

    The Real-World Impact of Web Accessibility

    Yes, the ACA is a law. But it’s also about something much deeper: inclusion.

    When your website is accessible, it’s easier for everyone to use—not just people with disabilities. Think about clear navigation, readable fonts, and keyboard-friendly features. These help:

    • Older adults
    • People using screen readers
    • Those with low vision or color blindness
    • Anyone using voice commands or assistive devices

    Accessible sites also rank better on search engines, reach wider audiences, and show you care about being fair and welcoming. That’s good for business and even better for community trust.

    ACA Web Accessibility Standards and Guidelines

    To follow the ACA, many organizations use a standard called WCAG 2.1 Level AA (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). While the ACA doesn’t make this mandatory, it’s the most recognized guide for creating accessible websites.

    WCAG helps you cover:

    • Text alternatives for images (like alt text)
    • Keyboard access for people who can’t use a mouse
    • Readable color contrast and font sizes
    • Clear layout and structure

    Another tool is EN 301 549, a European standard adopted in Canada. It adds more guidance for software, hardware, and mobile apps.

    Using WCAG and EN 301 549 shows you’re serious about accessibility—and helps prove ACA compliance if questions ever come up.

    Who Enforces the ACA—and What Happens If You Don’t Comply?

    Different agencies oversee different sectors:

    • Accessibility Commissioner: Reviews complaints and enforces penalties
    • Canadian Transportation Agency: Handles transport issues
    • CRTC: Monitors telecom and broadcasting
    • FPSLREB: Focuses on federal workplace issues

    If you break the rules under the ACA, you could face:

    • Fines up to $250,000 per violation
    • Compliance orders or warnings
    • Corrective action agreements

    It’s much easier—and smarter—to stay ahead of the curve.

    How to Meet Web Accessibility Requirements

    Start With an Audit

    Use automated tools, but don’t stop there. Pair them with real human testing—especially from people with disabilities.

    Design with accessibility in mind:

    • Add text descriptions to images
    • Make sure all parts of your site work with a keyboard
    • Use simple, readable fonts
    • Keep contrast between text and background strong

    Get Feedback From User

     People with lived experience can help you spot issues you may have missed.

    Test Everything

    Don’t forget about PDFs, videos, and mobile apps—they all need to meet ACA goals, too.

    ACA Reporting and Documentation

    If you’re federally regulated, the ACA says you must publish:

    • An Accessibility Plan: This outlines how you’ll find and remove barriers, and must include input from people with disabilities.
    • Progress Reports: Regular updates that show what’s been done and what’s next.

    These aren’t just paperwork. They’re proof that you’re doing the work—and thinking long-term.

    How to File an ACA Complaint

    If someone feels a business or organization is breaking the ACA, they can file a complaint. The steps include:

    1. Find the right agency (such as the Accessibility Commissioner or CTA)
    2. Submit the complaint online or in another accessible way
    3. Take part in any follow-up investigations

    This system helps ensure people have a voice and that organizations stay accountable.

    Other Accessibility Laws in Canada

    Even if the ACA doesn’t apply to your business, provincial laws might. Here are some examples:

    • AODA – Ontario
    • AMA – Manitoba
    • Nova Scotia Accessibility Act
    • Accessible British Columbia Act
    • Newfoundland and Labrador Accessibility Act

    Many of these laws include WCAG requirements and share similar goals with the ACA: to make sure everyone, regardless of ability, can fully participate in society.

    Helpful Tools and Support

    You don’t have to do this alone. Many resources can help:

    • CASDO (Canadian Accessibility Standards Development Organization): Creates national accessibility standards
    • W3C (World Wide Web Consortium): Offers WCAG guidelines and support
    • Testing tools: Use screen readers, color contrast checkers, and simulators to evaluate your site
    • Ongoing training: Keep your team up to date with the latest best practices

    Make Accessibility a Core Part of What You Do

    Complying with the ACA isn’t about checking boxes. It’s about helping all people feel seen, heard, and included—online and beyond.

    You don’t need to get everything perfect overnight. But you do need to start. The ACA sets a strong foundation, and taking action now puts you on the right path.

    At 216digital, we understand the technical side of accessibility—and the human side, too. Whether you need an audit, a plan, or long-term strategy, we’re ready to help.

    Let’s work together to make the web a better place for everyone.

    Schedule your free consultation today and take the first step toward ACA compliance.

    Greg McNeil

    April 29, 2025
    Legal Compliance
    ACA, Accessibility, ADA Website Compliance, Canada, International Accessibility Laws, Website Accessibility
  • Why Legal Compliance for Websites Matters in Canada

    Imagine landing on a website and feeling stuck because you can’t navigate it properly, read the content, or interact with its features. Frustrating, right? Now imagine that being your daily reality. For many people with disabilities, this is how they experience the web.

    That’s where web accessibility comes in. It’s about making sure everyone—regardless of ability—can use websites with ease. Not only is this the ethical thing to do, but it’s also a requirement for legal compliance for websites in Canada and beyond.The good news? It’s easier to achieve than you might think, and it comes with benefits that go far beyond ticking a legal box.

    Why Web Accessibility Matters

    Web accessibility ensures that everyone, including people with disabilities, can use your website effectively. In Canada, over one in five people have a disability. By making your website accessible, you’re opening it up to a wider audience, improving your SEO, and building a stronger brand.

    Failing to address accessibility can exclude potential users, harm your reputation, and even lead to fines or lawsuits. But accessibility isn’t just about avoiding risks—it’s about fulfilling legal compliance for websites and showing you care about inclusivity while meeting the needs of all your customers.

    It also gives your business a competitive edge. Many Canadians prefer to support brands that align with their values, including social responsibility. In fact, 25% of Canadian consumers choose brands that demonstrate inclusivity. Making your website accessible shows you’re committed to these values and helps build trust with your audience.

    Accessibility Laws in Canada: What You Need to Know

    Canada’s federal and provincial laws require businesses to make their websites accessible. All these laws align with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), creating a consistent standard nationwide. Below is a quick overview:

    • Accessible Canada Act (ACA): Aims for a barrier-free Canada by 2040. Federal organizations must remove barriers, including those on websites.
    • Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA): Requires Ontario businesses to meet WCAG 2.0 Level AA by 2025. Non-compliance can result in fines of up to $100,000 per day.
    • Accessibility for Manitobans Act: Focuses on removing barriers, including in technology, with WCAG compliance and staff training required.
    • Nova Scotia Accessibility Act: Aims for a fully accessible province by 2030, with penalties up to $250,000 for violations.
    • Accessible British Columbia Act: Requires websites to meet WCAG standards, with full implementation by 2024.

    These laws emphasize legal compliance for websites to create inclusive digital spaces while highlighting the risks of non-compliance, such as significant fines and damage to your brand’s reputation.

    What is WCAG?

    The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), developed by the Wide Web Consortium (W3C), are the global standard for creating accessible websites. These guidelines provide a framework for ensuring that web content is usable by people with a wide range of disabilities, including visual, auditory, physical, speech, cognitive, and neurological disabilities.

    WCAG is built on four core principles, ensuring that websites are:

    • Perceivable: Content must be presented in ways that all users can perceive, whether through sight, hearing, or touch.
    • Operable: Navigation and interaction must be functional using various input methods, such as keyboards, voice commands, or assistive devices.
    • Understandable: Information and the operation of the user interface should be clear and intuitive.
    • Robust: Websites must work with a variety of assistive technologies, including screen readers and text magnifiers

    The guidelines are structured across levels of compliance: A (basic), AA (intermediate), and AAA (advanced). For instance, under laws like AODA, Ontario businesses must meet WCAG 2.0 Level AA standards.

    Why Accessibility is a Smart Move for Canadian Retailers

    Let’s talk business for a minute. Canadians with disabilities represent a market with over CAD 55 billion in annual purchasing power. Making your website accessible means you’re opening your doors to this massive audience.

    Accessibility also tackles common issues like shopping cart abandonment. Did you know the average cart abandonment rate is 70%? For users with disabilities, it’s probably even higher—often due to frustrating website designs. By improving accessibility, you’re making it easier for everyone to shop with you, which can boost your sales.

    On top of that, Canadians expect brands to align with their values. Studies show that 16% of consumers will stop supporting businesses that don’t prioritize social responsibility. Making your site inclusive sends a clear message: you care about your customers, and you’re committed to doing the right thing.

    Why Accessibility Benefits Everyone

    When you make your website accessible, you’re not just meeting legal compliance for websites—you’re gaining a ton of other advantages:

    • Inclusivity: Your website becomes usable for everyone.
    • Better SEO: Search engines love accessible websites, so you’re more likely to rank higher.
    • Wider Audience: You’re opening up your site to millions of Canadians with disabilities.
    • Stronger Brand Image: Being inclusive shows you care about your customers.
    • Legal Protection: You’ll avoid fines and lawsuits, while building a more user-friendly site.

    Steps to Make Your Website Accessible

    Not sure where to start? Here’s a simple game plan to get your site on the right track:

    1. Audit Your Site: Use tools like WAVE and Lighthouse to spot accessibility issues.
    2. Learn WCAG Standards: Get familiar with WCAG 2.0 or 2.1 Level AA guidelines.
    3. Fix the Basics: Add alt text to images, ensure keyboard navigation works, and include captions for videos.
    4. Get Feedback: Work with users who have disabilities to test your site.
    5. Educate Your Team: Train your staff on accessibility best practices.
    6. Call in the Pros: Accessibility consultants can help with trickier issues.
    7. Stay Updated: Keep up with changes in accessibility standards and laws.

    The Risks of Ignoring Accessibility

    Skipping accessibility isn’t just a bad look—it’s risky business. For example, AODA violations can cost corporations up to $100,000 a day. But the financial cost is just part of the problem.

    An inaccessible website can damage your reputation and alienate a large chunk of your audience. People want to support brands that align with their values, and being seen as inaccessible could send them straight to your competitors.

    Building a More Inclusive Future

    Legal compliance for websites is more than a regulatory checkbox—it’s an opportunity to create a welcoming digital space for everyone. By prioritizing accessibility, you not only expand your audience but also demonstrate your commitment to inclusivity and social responsibility. Canadians value businesses that align with their beliefs, and web accessibility is a clear way to build trust and loyalty while fostering meaningful connections with your customers.

    Achieving accessibility doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Simple steps like conducting audits, adhering to WCAG standards, and training your team can make your website more inclusive and user-friendly for all. Accessibility isn’t just about meeting legal requirements—it’s about creating a future where everyone can participate equally in the digital world.

    Ready to take the next step? Partner with 216digital for expert guidance on legal compliance for websites. From comprehensive audits to ongoing support, we’ll help you achieve compliance and build a more inclusive online experience. Schedule your ADA briefing today!

    Greg McNeil

    January 20, 2025
    Legal Compliance
    Accessibility, accessibility laws, AODA, Canada, International Accessibility Laws, Legal compliance, Website Accessibility
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